(Jeddah) With Formula 1 returning to Saudi Arabia this week for another Grand Prix, the topic of conversation has once again shifted from racing to human rights issues.
Posted at 12:54 p.m.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 champion and an activist who is never shy about speaking out on the subject, said the responsibility of holding the race in the kingdom should not lie with the drivers, but would try to help.
“It’s obviously a very, very complex situation. But I’m always open to having a discussion, learning more, trying to figure out why the things that are happening are happening, Hamilton revealed. Because it’s 2022 and it’s easy to make changes. But I’m ready to do it. »
Hamilton won the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah in December, the penultimate race of last season. Two weeks ago, 81 people were put to death in a mass execution – the biggest in the kingdom’s modern history.
“At the end of the day, it’s the responsibility of those in power to really make the changes and we don’t see enough of it,” continued the Mercedes driver. So we need to see more. »
According to Reprieve, a non-profit organization that defends people facing human rights abuses, and the partner organization of the Saudi European Human Rights Organization, 16 more executions have taken place since the executions. masses of March 12.
“It’s obviously amazing to hear the stories. I heard that a letter was sent to me, for example, by a 14-year-old who is on death row, Hamilton pointed out on Friday. We don’t decide where we go, but I think we have a duty to try and do what we can while we’re here. »
Saudi Arabia is one of many countries that have been accused of human rights abuses by using high-profile sporting events to project a favorable image. Others include Bahrain, which staged the first race of the season last weekend, and Qatar, which will host the FIFA World Cup later this year.
Saudi Arabia also came under scrutiny in October after buying Premier League football club Newcastle.
Daniel Riccardo mentioned that F1 drivers can use their platform to push for change, including meeting people in the country.
“If talking to, say, a group of people could help, then why not? I think for now the best thing to do is to keep an open mind, said the McLaren driver. We are aware that there is room for change here and if participating in certain things helps, then I think we are very open to doing so. »
As for skipping the race, Ricciardo said he thinks the riders do better by showing up.
“We are aware of certain situations when we come here,” he said. We also have a chance to create change and be a positive influence, instead of choosing not to come. »
Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s former team-mate, added that the drivers “don’t really have a choice” about where they go.
“If we could choose races, maybe we would change the calendar a bit,” said the Alfa Romeo driver.
When F1 terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix earlier this month after that country invaded Ukraine, drivers agreed it was the right thing to do. Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel has said he would not have raced there if the race had gone ahead.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled on Sunday.
“You can’t ignore these facts,” said Mercedes driver George Russell. I just hope that with our platform, we raise awareness and that we can see a long-term positive change. »